"Illogical deduction number one," said Mr. Mitchel, sharply, as he turned down a finger of the left hand.
"Why illogical?" asked the detective.
"First, people have been known to steal their own goods; second, rich men are often thieves. Mr. Lumley, being in love with the owner of the note, was as unlikely to steal it as she was herself."
"Suppose that he had stolen it before he heard that his sweetheart was to inherit it?"
"In that case, of course, he may have desired to return it, and yet not have had the opportunity."
"Such was probably the fact. That he stole the note I am reasonably certain."
"How did he get it out of this room?" asked Mr. Van Rawlston.
"He must have hidden it elsewhere than in his pockets," said Mr. Barnes. "You overlooked the fact, Mr. Van Rawlston, that you cannot thoroughly search a man in the presence of a lady."
"Good point," exclaimed Mr. Mitchel. "You have your wits about you to-day, Mr. Barnes. Now tell us what you have learned in corroboration of your theory."
"Lumley is in love with Miss Hetheridge. Up to a few hours ago, he was a clerk, upon a salary not sufficient to permit him to marry. Curiously enough, for one would hardly have thought him so foolish, when he left this house he went direct to his employer and resigned his position. Next, I traced him to a business agency, where he obtained an option to purchase a partnership in a good concern, agreeing to pay five thousand dollars for the same."